Harris’s Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

The Harris’s Hawk is a rare visitor to north Texas. They are more commonly found in south and west Texas. A unique characteristic is the Harris’s Hawk hunting style. They will hunt in ‘packs’ to wear down, and catch, their prey.

Species information:

Length: 20”Wingspan: 43”Weight: 2 lbs

Plumage: Adults have a dark brown body and head, and rusty wings. The base of the tail is white with a wide black stripe and white at the tip. Immature birds are similar but have a streaked chest.

Habitat: Found in open, arid grassland areas.

Flight: Typical flight of raptors between flapping and soaring.

Vocalization: A loud keerh.

Food: Mammals.

Nesting: Found in small trees usually 5 – 20 feet up.. Made of twigs. They usually lay 2-4 eggs that are incubated for about 31 days. Young are out of the nest in about 36 days but don’t fly for another week or so.